Slip-resistant extremity covering and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga dimensioned to fit snugly over a person&#39;s hand or foot and capable of allowing a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping during a yoga exercise as a result of perspiration buildup.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/696,154 filed Oct. 29, 2003 in the name of the Applicant, to which priority is claimed. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/851,749 filed May 20, 2004 in the name of the Applicant.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to yoga and, more specifically, to a slip-resistant extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person in order to enable a person to effectively and accurately practice proper yoga techniques without the danger of slipping or sliding due to perspiration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Yoga is both a physical discipline as well as a Hindu philosophy. Although yoga often involves meditation and breathing exercises, the practice of yoga in the United States is focused mostly around distinct physical postures called “asanas.” Yoga's physical benefits include: improved flexibility and muscle joint mobility; muscle building and toning; improved posture; relief of back pain; improvement of muscular-skeletal conditions; increased stamina; improved digestion and elimination; increased blood flow and circulation; and weight loss. Yoga also provides many non-physical benefits, such as improved spirituality and tranquility, stress-relief, and mental clarity.

The popularity of yoga in the United States has more than tripled in the last decade. According to the Yoga Research and Education Center, more than 20 million people in America currently practice yoga. In order to achieve the many physical and non-physical benefits of yoga, one must accurately execute the distinct physical postures or “asanas.” The asanas require a person to manipulate his or her body in precise, and often physically demanding, postures. It is often the case that the exertion involved in practicing yoga leads to perspiration. In fact, some styles of yoga, known as “hot yoga” or “Bikram yoga”, are done in rooms that are heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in order to make muscles more flexible. “Hot yoga” as well as other forms of “extreme yoga” obviously result in an even greater amount of perspiration. The accumulation of perspiration on a person, on a yoga mat or on the floor can often cause a person to slip when trying to plant a hand, foot or other body part. Slipping not only prevents a person from effectively practicing the physical postures of yoga, but slippage can also result in injury.

Several attempts have been made at creating slip-resistant footwear and handwear for various applications. U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,585 issued to Fons et al. Discloses a rubber soled slipper sock cured with liquid latex rubber. However, this and other prior art slip-resistant wear are thick and bulky, preventing the full range of motion needed for one's hands and feet in order to effectively practice the complex and physically demanding postures of yoga.

Other slip-resistant gloves and socks only have slip-resistant material on their palmer surfaces. Those gloves and socks do not provide sufficient grip for certain yoga positions that require a person to grab specific parts of their hands and/or feet.

A need therefore existed for a slip-resistant extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly over hands and feet of a person and at the same time capable of allowing a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping as a result of perspiration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a slip-resistant extremity covering capable of fitting snugly around an extremity of a person while at the same time allowing a hand or foot a full range of movement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for practicing yoga capable of providing a person with a slip-resistant extremity covering that also allows a person to execute asanas and other yoga techniques without being encumbered by the covering and without slipping as a result of perspiration build-up.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga is disclosed. The slip-resistant extremity covering preferably comprises an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, the extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, the extremity covering being constructed of a sufficiently malleable material so as to allow an extremity a full range of movement, wherein the slip-resistant extremity covering defines at least one separate compartment for housing a specific digit. The slip-resistant extremity covering also preferably comprises a slip-resistant material being coupled to at least one of the palmer surface and the dorsal surface, and the slip-resistant material is coupled to side portions of the at least one separate compartment, the slip-resistant material having a high coefficient of friction while at the same time allowing the extremity a full range of movement while inside the extremity covering.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of practicing yoga is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, the extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, wherein the slip-resistant extremity covering defines at least one separate compartment for housing a specific digit, providing a slip-resistant material being coupled to at least one of the palmer surface and the dorsal surface, and the slip-resistant material is coupled to side portions of the at least one separate compartment, inserting an extremity of a person into the extremity covering, and practicing a yoga technique.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a top, perspective view of one embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person. The extremity covering is shown as having five separate compartments dimensioned to house each of the corresponding five toes of a user. A portion of the dorsal surface is shown substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartments for the user's five toes.

FIG. 1 b is a bottom, perspective view of the slip-resistant extremity covering of FIG. 1 a, showing the palmer surface substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartments for the user's five toes.

FIG. 2 a is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person. The extremity covering is shown as having one separate compartment dimensioned to house the user's big toe. The entire dorsal surface is shown substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartment for the user's big toe and is also shown coupled to a portion of the extremity covering that houses the user's remaining four toes.

FIG. 2 b is a bottom, perspective view of the slip-resistant extremity covering of FIG. 2 a, showing the palmer surface substantially covered with slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the separate compartment for the user's big toe and is also shown coupled to a portion of the extremity covering that houses the user's remaining four toes.

FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person. The palmer surface is shown substantially covered with substantially dumbbell-shaped slip-resistant material.

FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person. The palmer surface and a finger surface are shown substantially covered with a substantially ball-shaped slip-resistant material. The slip-resistant material is also shown coupled to side portions of the five separate compartments for the user's five fingers.

FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person. The palmer surface and a finger surface are shown substantially covered with a substantially dumbbell-shaped slip-resistant material.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering of the present invention, showing the extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around the hand of a person with a palmer surface and a finger surface substantially covered with a substantially uniform slip-resistant material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, reference numbers 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, and 10 f refer to different embodiments of the slip-resistant extremity covering (referred to generically as the slip-resistant extremity covering 10) of the present invention. The slip-resistant extremity covering 10 is for a person practicing yoga and comprises generically an extremity covering 12 dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person. Although FIGS. 1-6 show the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 in the form of a standardized glove or sock, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from an alternate configuration of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 so long as the extremity covering 12 fits snugly around the person's extremity.

The extremity covering 12 has a palmer surface 14 and a dorsal surface 16 and is constructed of a sufficiently malleable material so as to allow an extremity a full range of movement. A slip-resistant material (referred to generically as slip-resistant material 18) is coupled to at least one of the palmer surface 14 and the dorsal surface 16. The slip-resistant material 18 has a high coefficient of friction while at the same time allows the extremity a full range of movement while inside the extremity covering 12. The slip-resistant material 18 may be made of rubber, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acetyl, acrylic, ethylene vinyl acetate, fluoropolymer, nylon, polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, sand, leather, vinyl, vinyl chloride homopolymer, polychloroethane, or any combination thereof.

Preferably, the extremity covering 12 is comprised of a breathable cotton-spandex type fabric that is made of an absorbent material capable of absorbing perspiration, although it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the extremity covering 12 in which an alternative material is used, such as some other type of breathable material, or a non-breathable material with ventilation apertures, so long as the extremity covering 12 comprises a slip-resistant material 18. For example, the extremity covering 12 may be made of cotton, wool, silk, linen, hemp, ramie, jute, leather, suede, acetate, acrylic, Lastex®, nylon, polyester, rayon, viscose rayon, spandex, elastane, velvet, modacrylic, olefin, vinyon, saran, metallic, spandex, aramid, polybenzimidazole, sulfar, polypropylene, vinyl chloride homopolymer, polychloroethane, Lycra®, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a-1 b, reference number 10 a refers to one embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a person practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant extremity covering 10 a comprises an extremity covering 12 a dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot 13 of a person. A slip-resistant material 18 a, having a high coefficient of friction, is coupled to the palmer surface 14 (shown in FIG. 1 b) and a portion of the dorsal surface 16 (shown in FIG. 1 a) of the extremity covering 12 a. Having slip-resistant material 18 a on a portion of the dorsal surface 16 allows for better grip when the user is performing certain yoga positions that require the user to grab or balance on a side of his/her foot 13.

The slip-resistant material 18 a, while preventing slippage, also allows the foot 13 a full range of movement to practice yoga techniques. The slip-resistant material 18 a of the extremity covering 12 a is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart raised surfaces.

FIGS. 1 a-1 b also show the extremity covering 10 as having five separate compartments 20 dimensioned to house the corresponding five toes of a user. Having separate compartments 20 for each digit (or toe) and having slip-resistant material 18 a on the side portions 22 of the separate compartments 20, i.e. in the areas between the toes, help to provide sufficient grip for certain yoga positions that require a person to grab specific toes of his/her feet 13.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a-2 b, reference number 10 b refers to another embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a person practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant extremity covering 10 b comprises an extremity covering 12 b dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot 13 of a person. A slip-resistant material 18 b, having a high coefficient of friction, is coupled to the palmer surface 14 and the entire dorsal surface 16 of the extremity covering 12 b. Having slip-resistant material 18 b on the entire dorsal surface 16 allows for better grip when the user is performing certain yoga positions that require the user to grab the top of his/her foot 13.

The slip-resistant material 18 b, while preventing slippage, also allows the foot 13 a full range of movement to practice yoga techniques. While, in the preferred embodiment, the slip-resistant material 18 b of the extremity covering 12 b and the slip resistant material 18 a of the extremity covering 12 a is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart raised surfaces, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the slip-resistant extremity coverings 10 a and 10 b in which the slip-resistant materials 18 a and 18 b comprise a slip-resistant material 18 having another configuration, such as dumbbell-shaped, uniformly shaped, or some other configuration, so long as the slip-resistant material prevents slippage when a person is executing a yoga technique, while at the same time the slip-resistant material allows a person's foot 13 a full range of movement.

FIGS. 2 a-2 b also show the extremity covering 10 as having one separate compartment 20 dimensioned to house the big toe of a user. Having the separate compartment 20 for the big toe and having slip-resistant material 18 b on the side portions 22 of the separate compartment 20, i.e. in the area between the big toe and the other grouped toes, help to provide sufficient grip for certain yoga positions that require a person to grab his/her big toe. It should be clearly understood that in this embodiment, there may also be slip-resistant material 18 b on the side portion 22 of the area of the extremity covering 10 b that houses the other remaining four toes.

Referring now to FIG. 3, reference number 10 c refers to one embodiment of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a person practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant extremity covering 10 c comprises an extremity covering 12 c dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand 15 of a person. A slip-resistant material 18 c, having a high coefficient of friction, is coupled preferably to the palmer surface 14 (and in one embodiment also to a portion of the dorsal surface 16 [not shown] of the extremity covering 12 c). Having slip-resistant material 18 c on a portion of the dorsal surface 16 would allow for better grip when the user is performing certain yoga positions that require the user to grab or balance on a side of his/her hand 15. It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the slip-resistant material 18 c being coupled to the entire dorsal surface 16 as well. Having slip-resistant material 18 on the entire dorsal surface 16 would allow for better grip when the user is performing certain yoga positions that require the user to grab the top of his/her own hand 15 or the top of a partner's hand 15.

The slip-resistant material 18 c, while preventing slippage, also allows the hand 15 a full range of movement to practice yoga techniques. The extremity covering 12 c shown in FIG. 3 shows a slip-resistant material 18 c that is substantially dumbbell-shaped and concentrated only on a palm area of the hand 15, and not the fingers. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 c in which the slip-resistant material 18 c is comprised of an alternative shape or configuration and/or covers the fingers area as well so long as the slip-resistant material prevents slippage when a person is executing a yoga technique, while at the same time the slip-resistant material allows a person's hand 15 a full range of movement.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, reference numbers 10 d, 10 e and 10 f refer to three similar embodiments of the slip-resistant extremity covering 10 for a person practicing yoga of the present invention. The slip-resistant extremity coverings 10 d, 10 e and 10 f all comprise an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand 15 of a person. A slip-resistant material 18, having a high coefficient of friction, is coupled preferably to the palmer surface 14 (and in one embodiment also to a portion of the dorsal surface 16 [not shown] of the extremity covering 12). Having slip-resistant material 18 on a portion of the dorsal surface 16 would allow for better grip when the user is performing certain yoga positions that require the user to grab or balance on a side of his/her hand 15. It should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the slip-resistant material 18 being coupled to the entire dorsal surface 16 as well. Having slip-resistant material 18 on the entire dorsal surface 16 would allow for better grip when the user is performing certain yoga positions that require the user to grab the top of his/her own hand 15 or the top of a partner's hand 15.

The slip-resistant material 18, while preventing slippage, also allows the hand 15 a full range of movement to practice yoga techniques. The extremity covering 12 d shown in FIG. 4 shows a slip-resistant material 18 d that is substantially ball-shaped, comprising a plurality of spaced-apart raised surfaces, and is concentrated both on a palm area of the hand 15 as well as the fingers. FIG. 4 also shows the extremity covering 10 d as having slip-resistant material 18 d on the side portions 22 of the separate compartments 20, i.e. in the areas between each digit (or finger). This would help to provide sufficient grip for certain yoga positions that require a person to interlock his/her own fingers or interlock his/her fingers with those of a partner.

The extremity covering 12 e shown in FIG. 5 shows a slip-resistant material 18 e that is substantially dumbbell-shaped, and is also concentrated both on a palm area of the hand 15 as well as the fingers. The extremity covering 12 f shown in FIG. 6 shows a slip-resistant material 18 f that is substantially uniform in shape, and is also concentrated both on a palm area of the hand 15 as well as the fingers. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative configuration of the slip-resistant extremity coverings 10 d, 10 e and 10 f in which the slip-resistant material is comprised of an alternative shape or configuration and/or covers only the palm area and not the area of the fingers.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A slip-resistant extremity covering for a person practicing yoga comprising in combination: an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, said extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, said extremity covering being constructed of a sufficiently malleable material so as to allow an extremity a full range of movement, wherein said slip-resistant extremity covering defining at least one separate compartment for housing a specific digit; and a slip-resistant material being coupled to at least one of said palmer surface and said dorsal surface, and said slip-resistant material being coupled to side portions of said at least one separate compartment, said slip-resistant material having a high coefficient of friction while at the same time allowing said extremity a full range of movement while inside said extremity covering.
 2. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said extremity covering being dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand of a person.
 3. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said extremity covering being dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person.
 4. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said extremity being a foot and said at least one separate compartment dimensioned to house a big toe.
 5. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 4 wherein said slip-resistant material being coupled to side portions of a portion of said extremity covering housing the remaining four toes.
 6. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said extremity being a foot and wherein said extremity covering defining five separate compartments, said five separate compartments being dimensioned to house the corresponding five toes of a user.
 7. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said slip-resistant material comprising a plurality of raised surfaces having a high coefficient of friction.
 8. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said slip-resistant material comprising an elastomeric material having a high coefficient of friction.
 9. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said slip-resistant material comprising a uniform surface having a high coefficient of friction.
 10. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said extremity covering being comprised of a breathable cotton-spandex type fabric.
 11. The slip-resistant extremity covering of claim 1 wherein said extremity covering comprising an absorbent material dimensioned to absorb perspiration.
 12. A method for practicing yoga comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing an extremity covering dimensioned to fit snugly around an extremity of a person, said extremity covering having a palmer surface and a dorsal surface, wherein said slip-resistant extremity covering defining at least one separate compartment for housing a specific digit; providing a slip-resistant material being coupled to at least one of said palmer surface and said dorsal surface, and said slip-resistant material being coupled to side portions of said at least one separate compartment; inserting an extremity of a person into said extremity covering; and practicing a yoga technique.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of inserting a hand into said extremity covering, said extremity covering being dimensioned to fit snugly around a hand of a person.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of inserting a foot into said extremity covering, said extremity covering being dimensioned to fit snugly around a foot of a person.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein said slip-resistant material comprising a plurality of raised surfaces having a high coefficient of friction.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein said plurality of raised surfaces being substantially dumbbell shaped.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein said slip-resistant material comprising an elastomeric material having a high coefficient of friction.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein said slip-resistant material comprising a uniform surface having a high coefficient of friction.
 19. The method of claim 12 wherein said extremity covering being comprised of a breathable cotton-spandex type fabric.
 20. The method of claim 12 wherein said extremity covering comprising an absorbent material dimensioned to absorb perspiration. 